May 9th 2024
Bentley’s farewell tour for its W-12 engine continues, with one of its last appearances being in Batur, named after a crater lake in Kintamani on the island of Bali, Indonesia. This droptop version of the Batur coupe, launched in 2022, is even more exclusive, limited to just 16 units compared to the 18 examples of the fixed-roof model.
While not the absolute final Bentley to feature the twin-turbo, 6.0-liter engine, the Batur Convertible is one of the last models to boast this twelve-cylinder powerhouse. It utilizes the most powerful version of the W-12 yet, delivering an impressive 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. As expected, the convertible matches the performance of the coupe. The production of this massive engine will cease sometime this summer.
The esteemed TSI engine boasts over two decades of legacy, witnessing a remarkable 40 percent power increase alongside a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption. Its potency is channeled through an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox, impeccably suited for a luxurious grand tourer. Bentley’s engineers meticulously fashioned the entire Akrapovič exhaust system from titanium, inclusive of those substantial 3D-printed exhaust finishers.
Although all official imagery showcases the Batur Convertible with its top retracted, it’s confirmed to harbor a soft top neatly stowed behind the seats. With just a press of a button, the roof can be raised or lowered in a swift 19 seconds, albeit restricted to speeds of up to 30 mph. The Crewe-based automaker pledges boundless customization possibilities, tailoring every aspect of the vehicle to individual preferences.
Bentley presents the vehicle exclusively with a two-seat configuration while the Continental GT Convertible offers more practicality with rear passenger space. In contrast to the coupe’s active rear spoiler, the new variant features an integrated ducktail spoiler, and the 22-inch wheels boast a distinct design. Additionally, a tonneau cover now conceals the fabric roof when folded.
The luxury British automaker asserts that this prototype, dubbed the Batur Convertible Car #0, equals the subsequent production models in extravagance. It sports a striking Vermillion Gloss satin paint finish complemented by glossy carbon fiber accents. The interior features rose gold inserts designed to coordinate with your iPhone. Resembling the Continental GT Convertible, the opulent cabin houses a collection of traditional buttons, three classic gauges, and an analog clock.
Bentley keeps quiet on pricing, but it’s safe to assume the Batur Convertible hits the $2.1 million mark, matching the sold-out coupe. Quite the leap from the Continental GT Speed Convertible starting at $330,000.
While the W-12 is bidding farewell and the Huracan/R8’s V-10 will follow suit, VW maintains its big-engine tradition. The Revuelto’s V-12 has a promising future, and Bugatti is gearing up to unveil a new V-16 hypercar as the Chiron‘s successor.